2012 nissan cube Model Overview

Following Scion’s lead with its boxy, youth-oriented xB, Nissan entered the niche box-on-wheels hatchback segment with the Cube in 2009. In that class, the 2012 Nissan Cube goes up against the benchmark Scion xB, as well as the Kia Soul. In order to separate itself from the competition, the Nissan Cube possesses such unique features as asymmetrical wraparound side/rear windows with invisible passenger-side C-pillar, a rear door that swings open refrigerator-style, and a lounge-like cabin that offers a reclining rear seat and a headliner with a concentric circle design.

The Cube is underpinned by Nissan’s global B-platform, which also serves as the basis for stablemates Versa hatchback and Juke compact crossover. A peppy 1.8-liter 122-horsepower I-4 is mated to either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Performance takes a backseat to style and functionality; thus, the Cube features a not-so-sporty torsion-beam rear suspension, rear drum brakes, and standard 15-inch wheels.

Having been on the market for four years now, the Cube will likely benefit from a mid-cycle refresh in the next year or so. For 2012 though, the quirky hatchback is mostly unchanged, though an option package is added for the 1.8 S with CVT. That package includes Nissan’s hard drive-based navigation system with five-inch touch screen, rear-view camera, Nissan Intelligent Key entry and push-button start, Rockford Fosgate premium stereo, a unique seat color, and 15-inch alloy wheels. Nissan Intelligent Key is now standard on SL models, as is an attached front passenger armrest on S and SL models. The Krom Edition is gone for 2012, though five new exterior paint colors will be available.

Though boxy was made cool again by the Scion xB way back in 2004, Nissan’s take on that styling trend makes the 2012 Cube unique to say the least. Its bulbous front end makes the car look rounded, even though it’s clearly box-shaped when viewed from the side. In fact, every corner seems to be rounded, leaving no sharp angles anywhere on the car. The wraparound side/rear window and invisible passenger C-pillar is a unique styling trick, though some may find its uniqueness a bit too much for their tastes. Base and 1.8 S models roll on 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, while 1.8 SL models get standard 16-inch alloys. A variety of optional alloy wheels are available, and each lends a touch of personalization to the Cube. Other aesthetic enhancements available include a rear roof spoiler, custom front grille, and an aerodynamic kit with bespoke side sills and chin spoiler.

Inside, the overall feel of the Cube’s cabin is very lounge-like, with a sofa-style rear bench seat that reclines, and wavy themes repeated in the headliner, seats, and doors. Electroluminescent gauges are standard, as is a six-way manual adjustable driver’s seat and 60/40 split rear bench seat. Base models get standard cloth upholstery, while higher trims receive premium cloth seats. Nissan’s hard drive-based navigation system with five-inch touch screen is available through various packages, along with a rear-view camera and Rockford Fosgate premium stereo system. The Nissan Intelligent Key system now comes standard on SL models, and allows the driver to lock and unlock the car with a button on the door handle, while also facilitating a push-button ignition.

With a 1.8-liter I-4 engine producing 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, the sub-3000-lb Cube scoots along well enough, though it won’t win many drag races. In a 2009 comparison test, we said, “The Nissan is surprising, perhaps because I didn’t expect much. It had no problem passing traffic and superseding the freeway speed limit.” That particular comparison test also included, as you might expect, the Scion xB and Kia Soul. Though the Cube’s polarizing styling put the car in last place among its box-shaped contemporaries, the Cube was overall well-liked for its lively driving dynamics. A six-speed manual comes standard on 1.8 and 1.8 S models, while a CVT is standard on the 1.8 SL and available on all other models.

The Cube comes standard with dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat-mounted sensors, driver and passenger front side impact airbags, and front and rear roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with head protection. Also standard is Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with traction control, along with an ABS system with Electronic Brake force Distribution, Active Brake Limited Slip system, and Tire Pressure Monitoring system Child safety seats can be fitted inside the Cube through the standard LATCH seat-anchoring system. A rear-view camera is available through various packages.

2012 Nissan cube Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$14,980

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$7,175

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

2012 Nissan cube News and Reviews

In 2009, when the Nissan Cube first came ashore in the U.S. after more than a decade in the Japanese market, the boxy little van’s funky, asymmetrical rear door was more of a curiosity than anything else. But the design -- inspired by refrigerator doors from the 1950s -- has proven infinitely more significant in Japan, according to author and…

The innovative Nissan Cube enters its fourth year of availability in 2012 with its standout styling again giving it a unique place in the automotive world -- with an asymmetrical rear window, refrigerator-style rear door, space for five in its lounge-like interior (or 58 cubic feet of cargo room with rear seats folded), and more than 40 accessories to help…

Nissan’s box-on-wheels Cube has gotten a slight price hike for the 2012 model year: over last year, the funky five door will now start at $15,740, including destination, $240 more than in 2011.The Cube will now come in just three trim levels, as the short-lived Cube Krom was discontinued at the end of 2011. All Cubes use a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder…

Probably one of the most unique-looking cars on the road today has got to be Nissan’s Cube. The Cube doesn’t fit any traditional styling conventions. It’s square, yet round. It isn’t symmetrical; its rear hatch features a frame on one side and wrap around glass on the other. The Cube is supposed to be the it car for young, chic…

Several Japanese automakers have yet to return up to full production following last month's earthquake, so they're forced to get creative to keep dealers happy. Nissan is reportedly focusing its efforts on high-volume products rather than all models, as it struggles to fulfill demand for popular models.Like many Japanese automakers, Nissan produces a good deal of the products it sells…